How to fix the application in the “Recent” on Xiaomi: all working methods

The recent apps (or Overview) menu on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a list of open programs, but a tool for quick access to frequently used services. However, once closed, the app disappears from this menu, which is not always convenient. Unlike standard Android, MIUI allows you to attach apps to the recent ones on a permanent basis - but this feature is hidden in non-obvious settings or requires workarounds.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to fix applications in the multitasking menu on Xiaomi, Redmi devices, POCO and Black Shark is managed MIUI 14/15 (Including global and Chinese firmware versions, we will focus on the nuances for different models, from the budget Redmi Note. 12 before the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra, and consider alternative solutions if the standard method doesn't work.

Why the app disappears from the “Recent” and why fix it

By default, MIUI clears the multitasking menu when:

• 🔄 Close the application with a swipe up or the button “Close all».
• 🗑️ Auto-cleaning of memory (optimization function) RAM battery-setting).
• 🔋 Reboot the device – the list is reset completely.
• 🛠️ Updates MIUI — Sometimes multitasking settings are reset.

The attachment of the application in the "Recent" solves several problems:

• ⚡ Instant access to frequently used programs (messengers, banking, navigators).
• 🔒 Protection against accidental closure – for example, if a child or colleague picks up a phone.
• 📱 Time savings – no need to search for an icon on your desktop or menu.
• 🎮 Comfort for gamers – a quick return to the game without losing progress.

⚠️ Note: On some models POCO (for example, POCO F5) The fixing function may conflict with Game Turbo mode. If after fixing the application starts to lay - disable optimization for games in the settings.

Method 1: Standard fixation via the recent menu (MIUI 14/15)

This is the main method that works on most Xiaomi devices with current firmware versions.

• 📱 Xiaomi 13/14 series, Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X5/F5.
• 🎮 Black Shark 5/6 (with a JoyUI shell based on MIUI).

Steps to consolidate:

1. Open the application you want to lock.
2. Click the “Recent” button (square at the bottom of the screen or swipe up with pause).
3. Find the card of the desired application and hold the title (not the icon!) with your finger.
4. In the menu that appears, select Secure (or Pin in English firmware).
5. Confirm the action - the application will be marked with a pin icon in the upper right corner.

To unplug the app, repeat steps 2–3 and select Unplug. Note that on some devices (e.g. Redmi 10C), the pin only appears when the card is held for long periods.

💡

If the option to Secure does not appear, try to close all other applications in the menu "Recent", leaving only the one that you need to fix.

Method 2: Fixing through MIUI settings (for older versions)

On devices with MIUI 12.5 or lower (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3), the standard method may not work.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the desired application in the list and tap it.
3. Select Additional → Consolidate in recent.
4. Restart your phone if the option does not apply immediately.

If you don't have a recent pin, your version of MIUI doesn't support this feature at the settings level, so go to Method 3.

⚠️ Note: On Android Go devices (e.g. Redmi) A1) The fixing function is disabled at the system level. ADB may cause disruption.

Method 3: Use of gestures and third-party launchers

If standard methods do not work, you can bypass the limitations of MIUI by:

Option A: Gestures in MIUI Launcher

Some versions of MIUI Launcher allow you to assign a double tap or swipe on the screen to quickly open the application.

1. Go to Settings → Desktop → Additional settings.
2. Select Gestures and assign an action (e.g. Double Touch).
3. Attach the gesture to the desired application.

Option B: Third-party launchers

Launchers like Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher support fixing apps in the multitasking menu regardless of MIUI.

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Assign it to the default launcher (Settings → Applications → Default).
3. In the launcher settings, look for the Lock apps in Recents option (the name may vary).

The downside of the method: some MIUI features (such as Super Wallpapers) may not work properly with third-party launchers.

Method 4: Affixing via ADB (for advanced users)

If your device doesn’t support software-level fixation, you can activate the hidden feature via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a technique that works for Xiaomi on Android 10 and higher, but requires an unlocked bootloader or developer rights.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global recents_lock_to_app_enabled 1
4. Reset the device.

After that, you can attach apps to the recent menu with a long tap. To undo the changes, do:

adb shell settings put global recents_lock_to_app_enabled 0

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause data loss or system failure.Before executing commands, make a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Method 5: A workaround through widgets and shortcuts

If none of the methods worked, you can emulate the fixation using:

Option A: The “Recent annexes” widget

Some versions of MIUI allow you to add a widget with the latest running programs to the desktop:

1. Long press on the free space of the desktop → Widgets.
2. Find the recent app widget (or recent app).
3. Drag it on the screen and set up the programs displayed.

Option B: Desktop labels

Create a duplicate shortcut for quick access:

1. Open the app menu (swipe up from the bottom of the screen).
2. Find the right application, hold its icon and drag it to the desktop.
3. Name the shortcut so that it is different from the original (e.g., “Telegram (Fast Access)”).

These methods do not capture the application in the multitasking menu, but speed up access to it in 1-2 touches.

💡

If your device doesn’t support software-level anchoring, the combination of widgets and MIUI gestures can be a complete replacement.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successful fixing, users are faced with bugs, and consider typical situations and ways to fix them:

If the problem is not solved, check if the device is installed custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience or LineageOS), in which case the fixing function may work differently or not at all.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions